Comeback Kings: Heat-Spurs Game 4 By The Stats

Facing a historically insurmountable 3-1 Finals series deficit, the Miami Heat came through to deliver an urgent counter blow against the San Antonio Spurs, taking Game 4 of the 2013 NBA Finals, 109-93.

Leading the way were the Heat’s Big Three, who haven’t looked this big in a long time. Perhaps they were playing the role of the classic bida that wanted to get beaten up first, or perhaps those extra jumpers that the NBA media reported they took in-between practice days really helped. Whatever magic juice that Wade and Lebron may have had, the series is now tied at two games apiece.

With one last game at home for the Spurs, it’s now their backs that are right smack against the proverbial wall. So far, momentum hasn’t carried over from one game to the next, and it’s hard to believe that it’s going to happen in the next game. Right now, the Heat are raring to get the chance for two close-out games back in Florida. For the Spurs, it’s now about making sure they won’t have to face the nearly impossible task of winning two more games away from home to clinch the title (in short, they have to win Game 5).

Game 5 is on Monday, Manila time. But before that, below are the numbers that told Game 4’s story.

32-6-6: Dwyane Wade’s definition of a comeback performance

In scoring 32 points (14-of-25), pulling down six rebounds, and registering six steals, Wade showed us, well, Vintage Wade. He’s been a shell of his 2006-Finals-Terminator self, but made good on a promise prior to the game that it’s on him, Lebron, and Bosh to recapture the crown.

The stat line also makes Wade only the fifth player in NBA Finals history to record at least 30 points, five rebounds and five steals, joining Allen Iverson (48-5-5 in 2001), Michael Jordan (31-7-5 in 1993), Scottie Pippen (32-13-5 in 1991) and Julius Erving (30-8-5 in 1982).

The extra-aggressive, extra-accurate Wade also added four assists, a block, and recorded zero turnovers. Check out his post-game ESPN interview below: